A Pilgrimage Through the Historic Churches of Ilocos Norte

  

Last June 15–19, I had the privilege of visiting Ilocos Norte to attend the Annual Convention of the Arch/Diocesan Financial Administrators of the Philippines (ADFAP), where I was invited to serve as one of the speakers.

The organizers thoughtfully designed the convention so that the delegates could also experience the rich ecclesiastical heritage of the Diocese of Laoag. Instead of celebrating the Eucharist in just one venue, the daily Masses were held in different historic parishes across the province. At the conclusion of the convention, another church was included in the official tour.

In all, we were able to visit five of the diocese's most prominent churches: St. William's Cathedral in Laoag City, the magnificent St. Augustine Church of Paoay, San Nicolas Church, St. Monica Parish Church in Sarrat, and the Immaculate Conception Church in Batac. Each church reflected a distinct chapter of Ilocos Norte's rich history and enduring Catholic faith.

We also passed through the town of Bacarra. Although we did not have time to get off the bus, we caught a glimpse of its famous Domeless Bell Tower, often referred to as the "Domeless Bell Tower of Asia." Damaged by a powerful earthquake in the 19th century, the tower has remained without its cupola ever since and stands today as one of the province's most recognizable historical landmarks.

 

St. William the Hermit Cathedral Parish (F-1586)
Laoag City

St. Augustine Parish Church (F-1593)
Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Abp. William Antonio of Nueva Segovia was the main celebrant in the mass at Paoay. 

With Fr. Rock Bonoan, who was always our gracious host whenever we visited Laoag in the years before my assignment to the CBCP. It had been more than fifteen years since we last saw each other, so it took me a little while to recognize him. Once I did, it was a joyful reunion and a reminder of how enduring friendships in the priesthood remain despite the passing of time.

San Nicholas de Tolentino Parish (F-1584)
San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

With the parish priest of San Nicolas, Fr. Dani Devaras who hails from Leyte. 

Abp. John Du of Palo was the celebrant and homilist in the mass of the ADFAP in San Nicolas.

St. Monica Parish Church (F-1724)
Sarrat, Ilocos Norte

The church of Sarrat was under renovation when we visited it. 

Apparently, the project is to put steel trusses over the wooden trusses to strengthen the structure of the roof. 

Immaculate Conception Parish Church (F-1587)
Batac City, Ilocos Norte

After the mass in Paoay, a dinner was served at the Ilocandia Cultural Center in Batac City. 

St. Andrew the Apostle Parish (F-1590)

Bacarra, Ilocos Norte